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Taxes›California›Santa Clara County›Sunnyvale

Sunnyvale
short-term rental taxes.

Data date: Jun 2026

Start with the recorded local taxes and permit overview for Sunnyvale, California. Check the current requirements for your exact address.

Rental conditions are recorded in Sunnyvale
Hosted-only STRs: host must reside on-site during guest stays. un-hosted stays not allowed.
Find published guidance for your Sunnyvale address
Check published permit and tax guidance for Sunnyvale.

What you need to do in Sunnyvale

Checked against the source
  1. To do
    Meet the local rental conditions

    Hosted-only STRs: host must reside on-site during guest stays. un-hosted stays not allowed.

  2. To do
    Get the Sunnyvale short-term rental license or registration

    Hosted-only STRs: host must reside on-site during guest stays; un-hosted stays not allowed; registration required (SMC Ch. on STR of residential property)

    Where to apply

  3. To do
    Who collects the 12.5% Sunnyvale occupancy tax depends on the booking channel

    Airbnb: collects it for you; Vrbo: not confirmed; Booking.com: not confirmed; Direct: you collect and remit. Where a channel's answer is not confirmed, check its tax settings.

  4. To do
    File monthly returns

    The record does not state the due day; the tax office's calendar has it.

Verify each step with the authority before you file or apply. Source

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What to know.

Hosted-only STRs: host must reside on-site during guest stays. un-hosted stays not allowed. The published guide for Sunnyvale lists 12.5% local occupancy tax. A license or registration is required.

At a glance.

Local tax
12.5%
State tax
Local only
License
Required
Local filing
By booking channel
SourceSources & confidenceHow we researchReport a problem with this page

Tax details

Exemptions, penalties, filing information, and effective dates from the linked sources.

Sunnyvale: Recorded exemptions

No tax due for: continuous stays beyond 30 days (guest becomes non-transient after 30 days); federal or State of California officers/employees on official business; foreign government officers/employees exempt by federal law or treaty (Sunnyvale TOT Ord. §3.16.050; City Exemption Claim Form, Rev. Mar-23).

Sunnyvale: Recorded effective date

2019-01-01

Sunnyvale: Recorded remittance instructions

Remit to city; Airbnb remits for its bookings since 2018-08-01

Sunnyvale: Recorded filing schedule

Filing frequency: Monthly.

Source for these notes: sunnyvale.ca.gov: short term rentals

Platform tax collection guidance for Sunnyvale

Collection is shown separately for each booking channel. Direct-booking taxes are paid by the host.

PlatformStateLocal
AirbnbNonePlatform collects
VrboNoneCheck
Booking.comNoneCheck
DirectNoneYou collect and remit

Platform collects means the platform pays that tax. You collect and remit means you pay it. Collection details unavailable identifies a missing answer for that channel. Filing duties are listed separately.

Your next steps

  • Get the required license or registration

    Apply for the required license or registration with the licensing office before you list.

  • Collection of the 12.5% local tax

    Follow the channel breakdown above; you collect and remit tax on direct bookings.

  • File your tax returns

    File monthly returns. The record does not state the due day; the tax office's calendar has it.

Sources & confidence

How we collect and check this information · Report a problem with this page

FigureValueSourceStatus
Sunnyvale occupancy tax12.5%
Source
Source linked
California local lodging tax guidanceLocally administered
Source
Source linked
Licensing recordRequired
Source
Source linked
Official sources for the taxes and permit requirements shown above.

Sunnyvale STR tax FAQ

Does Airbnb pay my Sunnyvale occupancy taxes?

Airbnb collects this tax. You collect and remit tax on direct bookings.

Do I need a license to Airbnb in Sunnyvale?

A license or registration is required.

What happens if I don't file?

Penalties and interest depend on the tax and authority. Check the applicable rules and contact the authority about any missed filings or payments.

How often do I file?

File monthly returns. The record does not state the due day; the tax office's calendar has it.